Archive   |   December, 2009

spoil your dog with a designer hanging feeder

dogfeeder

I live in an apartment entirely too small to house the dog I intend to someday own, but that hasn’t stopped me from finding just the right accessories for my pooch. I’ve already got the leash in mind, but now I’m obsessing over these amazing designer hanging feeders from These Creatures. Not only do these funky feeders provide a stylish and ergonomic dining station for your dog, but a percentage of the company’s profits goes to the support of animal rescue organizations that make the world a better place for animals and the people who love them. Now I just need to convince them to create a Vizsla version. —Erica P.

wish and gift list: paola t

Wishing for:

slottogether
Mini Gasket Seat, $133.11
Dear Santa: I have been coveting one of these slot-together seat-cum-table thingies from Zaishu for the longest time but have balked at the shipping charges from Australia. But you could just sling one on the back of your sleigh, couldn’t you?

paolaart
Painting by Amy Ruppel, $100
If you’re looking to get me something smaller and more easily transportable, then I wouldn’t say no to this little 5 1/2” x 5 1/2“ guy by Portland-based artist Amy Ruppel. In fact, I have to admit that I liked it so much I couldn’t wait for you to buy it, but there are still a few others left in her latest online art sale.

buttoncoasters

Wood Button Coasters, $44
Something cheaper you say? I’ve been good, but not THAT good?
Well, I adore these wooden button coasters from Eden and Eden.

billiecandleholders

Billie Candle Holders by Jean Pelle, $80/pair
Or maybe these polished and ebonized wooden candle holders from Jean Pelle.

And you know that chocolate is ALWAYS acceptable, don’t you? A teensy weensy 10-bar stack of truffle bars from Seattle Chocolates would do just fine. Believe me.

woodlondon

City in a Bag — London, $14
And for that little something something, I’m thrilled that Muji has finally opened an online store in the US and would love this little wooden London set to sit on my desk and remind me of home. (If you’re not a Londoner like me, they also do other cities including New York, Paris, and Tokyo).

Shopping for:

dollhouse
Lundy Stockholm Dollhouse, $200
I just also wanted to say how delighted I am that you will be bringing my small daughter a Lundby Stockholm Dollhouse. It has lights! And a swimming pool in a drawer! And sun loungers! I am beyond excited and might even let her play with it sometimes.

illyalmodovar

Illy Almodóvar Collection Espresso, set of six, $150
I am also very happy that you’ve bought my coffee-loving husband the latest collectible set of Illy espresso cups, designed by Pedro Almodóvar. Actually, I’m a bit worried about this one, though really, how can he object since they’re covered with pictures of Penelope Cruz? If they’re really too girly for him, you know I’ll give them a very loving home.

But maybe you ought to get him an Eames House of Cards, $35, just in case.

chocolAtepie

Chocolate Pie Chart, $20
And why not throw in a Chocolate Pie Chart from Mary and Matt while you’re at it? Lots of love and a big hug to Rudolph. — Paola T.

Sarah C’s list
Sarah L’s list
Mary T’s list
Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list

jansport 1989 bike swinger: the perfect bike bag?

bikebag

I used to ride my bike around New York, until I had an unfortunate mishap with a car door (but that’s a story for another time). I had a big wire basket attached to my handlebars, but I’m pretty sure if I still had my bike I would replace it with this JanSport 1989 Bike Swinger, $58. I love that your belongings can be safely zippered inside while you ride, and the whole bag can be easily removed for carrying with you. The bag comes in navy or orange from Urban Outfitters. — Erica P.

wish and gift list: angela m

ikeaglobe

Wishing for:

IKEA PS MASKROS light, $89.99
It’s made up of hundreds of paper flowers like a big giant dandelion. I have no where to put this yet, but I’d love to have one ready to be the first thing we unpack in our new home (wherever that may be).

Jamie’s Food Revolution, $26.25
I’ve leafed through this cookbook and want to make everything in it. It’s chock full of easy pasta bakes, beginner curries, and gorgeous photos that make me hungry.

asign
A marquee @ sign from Urban Outfitters, $178
This baby would really light up my windowless office. It’s a vintage-inspired nod to our digital world (and my career path!).

A pretty bib necklace to wear with my many cardigans. I always feel silly buying jewelry for myself.

Shopping for:

A Zoku Quick Pop Maker from Williams-Sonoma, $49.95
I really wanted to get this for a family member, but it’s on back order until January! Doh!

zoku

For some of my creative buds, something from MoMA’s Tim Burton Collection. Maybe a book or a collectible doll.

A colorful desk lamp for someone whose work space is too dark. If I had money to burn, I’d splurge on a Pablo Link Lamp from Velocity Art & Design.

And finally, limited-edition Nod Chair, $49.95, for Isadora’s new room. — Angela M.

nodchair

Sarah C’s list
Sarah L’s list
Mary T’s list
Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list

five things we learned last week

fivethingssnowbulb

1) Grandmas like Tom & Jerrys. Ellie says: “Aw thanks for the Tom & Jerry recipe, it should come in handy because that’s the smallest batch I’ve ever seen. It is the only drink my nan will have, she’s funny like that; i’m still hoping it isn’t because her name is Jerry.” Click for the link to the recipe.

2) It’s not just Sarah L who wants a Gilmore Girls movie for Christmas. Allison says: “I may or may not have just peed my pants a little in finding out that there will be a Gilmore Girls movie.” Okay, to be clear, it’s still a rumor, but you can learn more here.

3) You can even DIY a rain barrel. Hillary says: “You could make your own rain barrels and spend money on pretty things. Thanks for the tip! See Mary T’s wish list here.

4) You can also make wallets out of Post-Its. Simone Rene says: “I am busy making sticky notepad wallets for my addicted friends – the question I keep asking myself is what did we do before them??” The question we have for you, Simon, is “How do you make a sticky note wallet?!” See Erica’s love for jumbo sticky notes.

5) Magna-Tiles are worth the investment. Daffodil says: “If you’re feeling flush enough to get the Magna-Tiles for your nephew, you’ll be the best aunt ever! My son is also three and plays with these at preschool every day. They’re especially cool on a light table. By the time I figured out what these were called and where to buy them, we’d already spent our Christmas budget. I am hoping he gets enough gift cards/cash for Christmas to get some of these — then we’ll have Grandpa help us build a light table and then we will have a self-entertaining three-year-old! (Hmmm, a self-entertaining three-year-old. Perhaps the price is not so steep after all!)” Love it! See them here.

Photo by Jon Dixon